In the dog house for leaving your furry companion behind on the weekend? Beg for forgiveness and explore all the things to see and do around Brisbane for the whole family – including your four-legged best friend.
Lucky for you and your furry friend, it's a dog's world in Brisbane! From inner-city food and drink spots to exploring trails and tracks in the great outdoors, we've sniffed out a few of our favourite dog-friendly ideas - and these are in addition to our 160-plus dog parks across the city!
Sniff out some culture
We all know a pup that enjoys the finer things in life. If a walk around the block just isn't cutting it for your pooch, try a walk through Brisbane City instead.
While pets aren’t usually allowed in a traditional art gallery, Brisbane City Council's Outdoor Gallery transforms the city’s laneways and streets into imaginative, curious, and engaging spaces, meaning you and your four-legged friend are free to take in the outdoor installations and maybe even sneak some pictures for the Instagram grid. In South Brisbane, start at Fish Lane and walk to Edmonstone Street. For an adventure in the city centre start at Hutton Lane, then go via Edward Street and finish at Irish Lane.
Walk on the wild side
Get some fresh air and a city-break on one of the many trails, tracks and off-leash beaches and foreshore areas open to dogs and their humans.
Reach new heights along the many trails in the Mt Coot-tha precinct. Once you get to the summit, enjoy a refreshment at the pet-friendly cafe. Toohey Forest in Brisbane's south also offers stellar views and a range of walking tracks through some of Brisbane's best open eucalypt forest.
Too hot to pound the pavement? Cool off at one of two designated off-leash areas on Brisbane's foreshores at Manly and Sandgate.
While there are heaps of dog-friendly walk options across the city's urban and bushland environments, it's important to check any restrictions before heading out to a location.
Re-tail therapy
Brisbane loves a good market and markets are a way to get your retail and canine fix, with many locations welcoming dogs. There are often stalls with pet treats too!
Doing up your garden or DIY-ing your house? Find a pet-friendly hardware store. Your pup is unlikely to complain about the sausage sizzle at the front door (hold the onions!). Prepare to be stopped for plenty of dog pats as you shop!
Bone Appetit
Never bite the hand that feeds you! Butter-up your pooch with a visit to one of the many dog-friendly cafes and eateries around the city.
Grab takeaway chips at Manly and stroll along the esplanade or head to the foreshore off-leash area. If you're walking on a Saturday, head to the Jan Powers Manly Harbour Village Farmers Markets which are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 6am-12 noon.
Be a paw-fect pet owner
Show your pup you care by taking steps to ensure they stay happy, healthy and safe. If you're out and about, keep your dog on a leash and carry a bag to pick up your dog's droppings. Read more about your responsibilities as a dog owner.
Don't forget that you must register and microchip your dog if you live in Brisbane, making it easier to reunite you and your pooch if they go missing. Dog registration concessions are available if you meet criteria. Up-to-date vaccinations and desexing are effective ways to protect your dog from disease and unwanted litters, reducing the number of unwanted pets in our rehoming centres.
If you don't have a pet but are tempted to get one after reading this blog, or you are thinking about getting another doggie friend for your pooch, think about adopting from one Council's animal rehoming centres, administered by Animal Welfare League Queensland.
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This blog was last updataed in June 2023.